Ahmad, Syed (PhD)Gebremedhin, Habtom2018-07-052023-11-092018-07-052023-11-092006-06http://10.90.10.223:4000/handle/123456789/6657The earthquake hazard in an area depends mainly on three factors: - 1) The Regional earthquake sources and seismic wave propagation characteristics, 2) The local geology’s response to, and modification of, Earth- quake ground shaking and 3) Type and use of buildings and life lines constructed in the area, which includes the:- the number of people living under the roof, the time the earthquake happened ,night, rush hour, day time etc. In this study the study area is assessed in terms of these controlling factors, it is found to be the most earthquake hazard prone area in terms of earthquake frequency, in terms of population density, though it is not densely populated now(around 7000), the population in Semera town is expected to grow to around 18,000 by the year 2025, and the type of buildings in the area are from single to two storey concrete type of buildings, an earthquake intensity level of VIII and IX are expected in the area, these earthquake intensities have a power that can damage these buildings, the Ethiopian building code standard uses the same building regulations for all towns in the rift(Arbaminch, Ziway, Nazret, Semera, Dessie, michew, Mekelle, Adigrat, etc),hence the building code needs updating, because the intensity levels expected in semera area is higher than the other areas in the rift.enEarthquake HazardThesis